Species

1 other cultivar

‘Tinga’Tinga Holly

treeN. America Native

Foster Holly

Ilex x attenuata 'Foster'

$64.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex × attenuata is a naturally occurring hybrid between dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and American holly (Ilex opaca) native to the southeastern United States. It forms a dense, slender, pyramidal evergreen tree with dark green spiny leaves and small axillary spring flowers.

'Foster' is a parthenocarpic selection that sets heavy crops of bright red winter berries without requiring a male pollinator nearby. Its narrow, fine-textured habit and small leaves with one to five marginal spines make it an effective privacy screen and architectural accent.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round green architectural structure paired with bright red winter berries.

Spiny leaves and dense evergreen growth create an effective physical boundary and security hedge.

Persistent autumn and winter berries offer an essential cold-weather food source for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Berries low severity toxicity if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$64.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, ensuring the root flare sits level with the surrounding grade.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly around the root mass, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the direct trunk base.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil, as soil pH above 6.5 causes iron chlorosis and yellowing foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to prevent nutrient chlorosis.
Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture and regulate ground temperature.
Prune annually in late winter to maintain formal shape and interior density.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Do not shear aggressively into old, leafless wood where latent buds fail to break.
Do not waste space planting male pollinator hollies, as this cultivar sets fruit independently.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy screenTall hedgeSpecimen treeFoundation planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Camellia japonica Hydrangea quercifolia Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Foster Holly questions

What zones can Foster Holly grow in?

Foster Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Foster Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Foster Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Foster Holly bloom?

Foster Holly typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Foster Holly need full sun?

Foster Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Foster Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foster Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.